LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The No. 8 University of West Alabama football team suffered its first setback of the 2010 season, dropping a close 14-13 decision at the hands of the Lambuth Eagles in its first game of the year at Tiger Stadium. The loss drops UWA to 2-1 while the Eagles improve to 2-1.

LU posted the first points on the board, scoring on the first play of the second quarter. David Ingram connected with Rod Jefferson from 13 yards out to cap a 14 play, 79 yard drive. The Tigers answered the Eagle score with a 13 play, 90 yard drive that was finished on a 13-yard TD run by T-Ray Mitchell.

Brock Sharp gave the Red and White their first lead of the game with a 28-yard field goal with 9:26 remaining in the third quarter. The Okemos, Mich. kicker added to the UWA lead by placing a 37-yarder through the uprights and putting the Tigers up 13-7 with under a minute left in the third.

The Tigers had a pair of opportunities to add to its lead in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers turned the ball over in the red zone on consecutive drives to keep Lambuth in the game. The second UWA miscue came with 2:55 remaining in the contest, and LU would take full advantage.

On the ensuing possession, Marquis Williams carried the ball 77 yards into the end zone to tie the contest and Nate O'Jibway's extra point gave the visitors the 14-13 lead.

West Alabama marched swiftly into Lambuth territory on the game's final possession and with 29 seconds left in the game, Deon Williams connected with Mitchell on a 16-yard pass to the 22 yard line, but the play was erased on a holding penalty that pushed the Tigers back near midfield and ultimately iced the game for the Eagles.

The Tigers finished the evening turning the ball over six times – four fumbles and two interceptions – but the potent West Alabama offense managed to still rack up 472 yards. Williams was 25-39 through the air for 326 yards, while Mitchell led the ground attack with 126 of UWA's 146 rushing yards.

Williams led the way offensively for Lambuth as he collected 148 yards on the ground, and the Eagles rushed 30 times for 152 yards. The passing game was limited for the guests as they completed 12 of 24 attempts for just 69 yards.

West Alabama returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 18 as UWA hosts West Georgia in the Tigers first conference game of the season. The contest has named the GSC-TV Game of the Week and will be televised by CSS. The game will be aired on ESPN 104.9 FM and at www.uwaathletics.com.